Incredible youngsters recognised at city awards ceremony

Three teenagers have been recognised for their resilience and bravery at a city awards ceremony, which was supported by several Marketing Derby Bondholders.

Tejal Paliya, Matlida Hunt and Jack Hart were all honoured at the Enterprise for Education (E4E) Awards – a careers-themed initiative backed by Derby City Council.

For the first time since 2019, the E4E Awards were held in person at the University of Derby with schools, pupils and volunteers across the city celebrated by the public private sector organisation, which was set up in 2014 to link employers with schools and students.

Tejal, 17, almost died after contracting a bacterial infection in March, which left her fighting for her life.

Her family were warned that she may not survive but the Littleover Community School pupil – who has set her sights on going to Cambridge University to study Chemical Engineering – achieved four A*s after sitting the exams at the Royal Derby Hospital.

Matilda, known as Tilly, was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour in February.

Despite this, the 13-year-old Derby Cathedral School pupil has continued to keep up with her schoolwork.

Teacher Babs Woodward, who nominated Tilly for the Enterprise for Education (E4E) Award, said: “Tilly has undergone chemo and radiotherapy and has mostly remained positive throughout.

“She has also continued to complete schoolwork when she has been well enough to do so, being determined not to fall behind with school.

“She is an incredible young lady who is an inspiration to us all at Derby Cathedral School.”

Also receiving recognition at the E4E Awards was 16-year-old Jack.

Jack was nominated by teacher Matt Harris, who praised the teen for being a “remarkable young man” after he showed courage and resilience to continue with his studies at Da Vinci Academy during his GCSE year, despite the death of his mum to Covid.

Matt said: “Throughout the dreadful ordeal of having a mother in intensive care, moving in with grandma and then being isolated due to a national lockdown, Jack maintained focus on his academic studies in a way that was remarkable as it was impressive.”

E4E manager Arshad Iqbal said: “The incredible stories we have heard from schools such as Da Vinci Academy, Derby Cathedral School and Littleover Community School are just the tip of the iceberg; we would like to applaud Jack, Matilda and Tejal for showing such bravery and courage and being an inspiration to others at such a difficult time.”

The youngsters were presented with the Resilience Award, which was sponsored by Rolls-Royce.

Nicola Swaney, the firm’s education outreach manager, who presented the award on behalf of the company, said: “Resilience is such an important attribute in life and in the world of work, and these young people have faced and overcome huge challenges. They are an inspiration to us all.”